Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bacon mac and cheese is a great way to upgrade dinner with plenty of extra flavors. It’s FULL of flavor from caramelized onions, hickory smoked bacon, and pasta shells smothered in a creamy 3-cheese blend! You will love this delicious Mac and Cheese. It’s an easy meal that offers comfort in every bite.

Making mac and cheese is usually on the menu for most homes, especially if you have kids, and all that creamy, cheesy goodness plus bacon will be a guaranteed winner.

Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese

Bacon mac and cheese is a great way to upgrade dinner with plenty of extra flavors. It's FULL of flavor from caramelized onions, hickory smoked bacon, and pasta shells smothered in a creamy 3-cheese blend!

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions, Optional:

  • 2 large yellow onions
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Mac and Cheese:

  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, hickory smoked is great
  • 1 lb. medium pasta shells
  • 1/4 cup butter, not needed if you have enough bacon drippings
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Notes

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Creamy Mac and Cheese doesn't freeze/reheat back to it's original consistency, but that doesn't stop me from freezing it for easy microwavable lunches.

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